Asha Negi: Fitness, following passions, and finding fabulous roles
Why versatile actress Asha Negi is not afraid to take on new challenges
By ASJAD NAZIRApr 13, 2023
Whether playing impactful roles in drama serials or winning a popular reality show, Asha Negi has made an impressive mark on Indian TV, ever since she made her acting debut in 2010.
More recently, she has focused her attention on film and winning appearances on the OTT platform, with web serials like smash hit show Abhay. The unstoppable Indian beauty has also become somewhat of a fitness icon with amazing workout videos she shares with more than 2.1 million Instagram followers. Now very much focused on taking on new challenges and testing her limits as an actress, she is looking forward to doing even better work.
Eastern Eye caught up with the versatile actress to discuss her journey so far, future hopes, nspirations, and fabulous fitness impact. In a free-flowing conversation, she also gave top exercise tips and how to remain motivated.
How do you reflect on your journey?
I think I’ve had my ups and downs. It’s been more than 10 years now of me living in Mumbai. And yeah, I mean, a lot of experiences, with many great moments, and low moments I’ve had on this journey. And yeah, I did not give up and will never give up no matter what,because it is never a piece of cake. And it’s my passion. The life that I’m living, and work I do is my passion. I enjoy
what I do, so, it’s been going great so far. What does acting mean to you today?
Acting means a lot different than what it did when I wanted to become an actor. Now, I want to learn more and do lots of new things related to my acting, with more nuanced work, I would say. There are so many more nuances I want to learn in my acting. It’s a lot more detailed now, I think. Acting for me now is wanting to get into detail and learn more of it.
Is finding strong satisfying roles the biggest challenge for you today?
Yes, I think finding work I want to do is the biggest challenge. Once I get something I want, then it’s an enjoyable ride. Then it’s just, you know, experience, learning, unlearning, and all that. But, yes, finding strong roles, and the kind of work I want to do is the biggest challenge
for me right now.
How much has the success of Abhay meant to you?
Genuinely, it’s been the same. I mean, nothing’s changed. And it’s been the same for me.
You seem very focused on new challenges. What can we expect next from
you workwise?
There is something on web that is coming soon. It’s still in on editing. That’s going to happen soon. Apart from that, let’s see. I want to do interesting work, and that’s what I’m looking for.
Can you see yourself working in the West in the future?
Of course, I can see myself working in the west and I really want to do that. I want to work everywhere. As I’ve said in my earlier interviews, I’ve done a lot of TV already, and want to do OTT and Bollywood films now. I also want to do Hollywood and work in south (India), so want to work with all kinds of people in my country and internationally, why not?
Asha Negi during a fitness session
Do you have a dream role?
There is not one particular role, that is my dream role. Anything that challenges the actor inside me, I think has to be my dream role. Anything that gives me a hard time unlearning and then learning things will be my dream role. And it has always been like that.
What first connected you to fitness?
I’ve always worked out, but had a hard time maintaining it, and making it my lifestyle. I initially also used to work out, but the way that I do it now is a lot different. It’s all thanks to my new coach, Mr Rohit Nair - with him it’s become like a lifestyle. I’ve become really passionate about it now.
You have become a fitness role model with your amazing videos. What drives you to work so hard in the gym?
Yeah, I think when you reach a certain point and start seeing results of your hard work, is when you realise okay, you can do it and why stop now? I think now I’ve really started enjoying it also. And again, you know, it’s all thanks to my trainer. So, I think maybe because of that it’s happening.
Tell us about the kind of exercise regime you follow?
So, I do weight, functional, cardio and mobility exercises. Basically, my workouts are a combination of a lot of things.
What top fitness tip would you give?
I think just do something you enjoy, whether it is yoga, Pilates, walking, running, or working out in the gym – weights, functional, or whatever. So, whatever you enjoy doing, but do something. I think that is the fitness tip I would want to give.
How important is nutrition in fitness?
Nutrition is very important. Firstly, with your workout, I think they say it’s 30 per cent workout and 70 per cent diet. And nutrition is very important. You need to take care of what you’re eating. Personally, I love eating. I do eat a lot of junk also. But then I make sure it is a limited portion. And I’m eating a lot of nutritious food also. So yeah, that’s how it works, I think.
How do you motivate yourself?
As I said, you know, once you start seeing results, you start getting motivated. I think that’s what happened with me. And the days I don’t feel like getting out and going to the gym, I make sure I do go on that day. Once you work out and return home, that’s when you thank yourself for actually making that effort of going. And you must do that especially on days when you feel lazy and don’t feel like getting up and going for a workout.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
I want to learn a lot of things and will. First, I really need to learn swimming and driving – the two most basic, yet most important, activities. I really have no idea why I am still lacking on these two things. So, I really have to learn these two basics and most important things. That’s when I’ll think about learning anything else. But I want to learn a lot of things in this one life.
What is the master plan going forward?
I don’t think there’s a master plan, as such. It’s just about keeping myself motivated. I think not giving up is the key. I don’t want to give up. And basically, that’s what helps me in going forward. So, there is no plan. It’s going with the flow. I am a person who goes with the flow.
What inspires you?
Everything around me inspires me. When I see a film, a great performance, great direction, a great screenplay, a beautifully shot film. I mean art in general inspires me. When I see somebody dancing beautifully, that inspires me. Everything everywhere just inspires you in its own unique way. I think that’s how it works for me.
British singer Ed Sheeran is shifting lanes musically. Known for his emotional ballads and acoustic pop, Sheeran has taken a bold turn into rock territory with Drive, a gritty new single written for Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, F1. The track, released ahead of the film’s 27 June global premiere, shows the singer ditching his usual gentle strumming for loud guitar riffs, pounding drums, and full-throttle energy.
A rock track built for speed and the screen
Sheeran shared that he was invited to write a song for the film and immediately knew he wanted it to feel like a proper “driving song”, something loud, intense, and worthy of the speed and thrill of Formula One. He teamed up with guitarist John Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin to bring that vision to life. The result? A track with Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Rami Jaffee on keys. It’s an all-star crew of rock musicians who helped Sheeran hit the accelerator.
In a behind-the-scenes post, Sheeran said working on Drive reminded him of his earlier soundtrack work, particularly I See Fire for The Hobbit. But this time, he said, the stakes felt different. “This felt like the dream setup,” he wrote. “I love film and art, and to create something tailor-made for a big action scene in a racing film is just special.”
Sheeran joins a stacked soundtrack for F1
Drive will be featured on F1: The Album, which drops alongside the film. Overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast president Kevin Weaver, known for producing soundtracks like Barbie: The Album and The Greatest Showman, the album also includes songs by Doja Cat, Burna Boy, RAYE, and Rosé from BLACKPINK.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former racing champ pulled out of retirement to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, the film promises high-speed drama and big-screen spectacle.
With Drive, Ed Sheeran has stepped far out of his comfort zone and into the driver’s seat of something unexpected and loud. The track is now streaming, and the countdown to F1 begins.
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This week sees the release of Aamir Khan’s new film Sitare Zameen Par. Marketed as a ‘spiritual sequel’ to the multi-award-winning 2007 drama Taare Zameen Par, the film is in fact a remake of the 2018 Spanish movie Campeones — and it appears to be packed with copied moments from start to finish.
Social media users have already forensically compared the trailer with the original and pointed out identical scenes, alerting Hindi cinema fans to the 2023 American remake (Champions) and a 2022 German version (Weil wir Champions sind).
Unlike the many Bollywood productions that shamelessly steal storylines without credit, Sitare Zameen Par is an official adaptation. But it is arriving in an era where the remake formula no longer works — and now feels like a desperate, lazy shortcut.
Judging by the performance of most remakes in the past decade, the model is no longer viable. In today’s digital age, recycling someone else’s work is not just commercially risky — it is cultural suicide.
Aamir Khan
In the so-called golden age — or more accurately, the morally grey era — of Hindi cinema, producers routinely lifted entire plots from international films or South Indian blockbusters.
Streaming platforms did not exist, YouTube had not yet archived global cinema, and social media had not empowered legions of film detectives gleefully exposing plagiarism frame by frame. Bollywood operated in a vacuum — and in that silence, rip-offs flourished.
Aamir Khan, ironically now on the receiving end of backlash after the ill-fated Forrest Gump remake Laal Singh Chaddha, was once a master of the borrowed blockbuster.
Akele Hum Akele Tum was essentially Kramer vs. Kramer with playback singing. Mann was a musical version of An Affair to Remember. Ghulam borrowed heavily from On the Waterfront. Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin was a near-copy of It Happened One Night, and Raja Hindustani drew inspiration from Jab Jab Phool Khile.
Even Ghajini was a remake of a Tamil film, which had itself stolen the core idea from Memento. These films succeeded because most of the audience had never seen the originals.
They were cinematic secrets whispered among cinephiles, not dissected in Instagram reels or exposed in viral X threads.
Back then, it was so easy to plagiarise without consequence that legendary screenwriting duo Salim–Javed regularly lifted scenes and story ideas from global cinema for their 1970s blockbusters.
In the following decade, Javed Akhtar reportedly pitched the story of Main Azaad Hoon (1989) to producers as an original concept — they only discovered after production began that it was lifted from the Hollywood classic Meet John Doe.
While occasional remakes like Kabir Singh and Drishyam have succeeded, most Hindi remakes in recent years have crashed and burned — especially in the age of social media, streamers, and video sharing sites.
The painful list of failures from just the last five years includes Bachchhan Paandey, Jersey, HIT: The First Case, Vikram Vedha, Thank God, Mili, Shehzada, Selfiee, Bholaa, Sarfira, Baby John and Deva.
These films have become redundant because the originals are often available online — and even if you are unaware of the source, someone in the comments section will be happy to point it out.
Hrithik Roshan
Now with Sitare Zameen Par, the cycle repeats. The original Taare Zameen Par worked because it was original and honest.
It was not borrowed from overseas or adapted from the South — it emerged from a sincere concern for children with dyslexia, a subject Bollywood had never explored before.
Trying to recreate that emotional impact through a tired remake formula risks tarnishing the very legacy Aamir Khan helped create.
This is not just another film — it is his third-layer adaptation of a story that has already been remade multiple times in other languages.
But this is not only about Aamir. The industry as a whole must confront the fact that today’s audience is smarter, more connected, and far less forgiving.
In what is arguably the worst creative slump in Hindi cinema history, original storytelling is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity.
Instead of spending crores (over £100,000 or ₹1 crore) on designer costumes, scenic locations and remake rights, Bollywood should be investing in screenwriters.
Remember them? The underpaid, under-credited creatives with actual ideas? They are the ones capable of pulling this industry out of its current rut.
There is a generation of hungry young filmmakers and writers eager to tell new stories. But their scripts are gathering dust while remake kings chase the faded echoes of past glory.
It is time to retire the remake — or at least cut them back drastically.
Audiences deserve better. Bollywood deserves better. Hindi cinema cannot keep indulging the egos of creatives who, frankly, have run out of creativity.
That includes even the so-called perfectionists like Aamir Khan, whose own last home production Laapataa Ladies was not spared plagiarism accusations.
A struggling industry cannot build a future by xeroxing the past. It is time to stop photocopying and start creating.
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Kajol hails Maa as her toughest physical challenge yet in exclusive Eastern Eye interview
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, Kajol pulls back the curtain on her most daring role yet. Forget the dimples and that signature bindi for a moment. Kajol, the powerhouse we know for fiery roles and infectious energy, is stepping into chilling new territory. Her upcoming film, Maa, which hits screens on 27 June, isn’t built around cheap jump scares. It’s a raw look at the everyday fears that haunt parents, especially mothers. Chatting with her felt less like a fluff piece and more like an honest heart-to-heart.
Kajol wastes no time explaining what makes Maa stand out. “We’re tackling things mainstream cinema tiptoes around,” she says. “Child safety. The constant pressure of raising kids. The unspoken worries when you have a daughter. Even menstruation.” She lets each topic hang in the air before adding, “That’s exactly what drew me to it. It’s a gripping horror story, yes, but it’s also a chance to sneak in conversations most of us avoid.” Her hope however is simple: people might not dissect every theme consciously, but they’ll walk away questioning what we accept as “normal.”
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
A horror newcomer finds her groove
Fans know Kajol for her loud performances, energy and fiery roles. In Maa, though, her character radiates a quiet, simmering intensity. Did she have to unlearn her signature style? "Not unlearn," Kajol clarified, "but I was a total horror newbie!" She confessed she rarely watches the genre. "I walked in blind. I had no idea how emotionally and physically draining it would be." The biggest surprise? Finding the right pitch. "Horror has its own frequency. My director, Vishal Furia, kept gently nudging me, 'Ma’am, this is horror. You need to sync with the audience's fear, there are things happening behind."
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
Three decades in: Embracing freedom
With almost thirty years on screen and sky-high expectations, taking on something so different might sound daunting. Not to Kajol. “Daunting? Nah. I feel free. Freer than most, honestly." She dismissed the idea of proving anything. "I’ve never been in the rat race. I don’t have that 'chase, chase, chase' ambition. I’m perfectly happy chilling at home for a year or two, waiting for something that truly sparks my interest." Ironically, her 33rd year is her busiest in two decades. "But it’s because I want to work, not because I have to. Work is part of my life, not my whole life. That balance is very important to me."
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
Behind the scenes: Producer’s hat
Wearing a producer's hat this time, was there a hill she was willing to die on creatively? Kajol quickly deflected praise. "Honestly, huge credit goes to Ajay Devgn. He was the driving force ensuring 'Maa' looks and feels premium. Ajay made sure Maa looks and sounds top notch,” she admits. “In today’s world, a movie must hit a certain visual and technical bar just to get noticed.” From VFX and music to the film’s overall vibe and marketing push, they poured everything into creating a polished experience. “We can’t wait to see how audiences react on the 27th.”
Stills from the trailer of MaaInstagram/devgnfilms
The Real Takeaway? Just Enjoy Yourself
So, what big truth does Maa hold up for viewers? Kajol cut through expectations: “It’s not a preachy film. You won’t leave thinking, ‘Oh, that was the lesson!’” Instead, she insists, “You might have more fun than you expect. This one sneaks up on you.” For her and Ajay, that’s the point: “We make films to be felt and savoured, not overanalysed. So, relax and feel it and just have a lot of fun.”
Playing a mother pushed beyond reason in Maa. So, how did Kajol the real-life mom handle that? “Protecting your child is primal,” she says without hesitation. What shook her most was her character’s unyielding grit. “In reality, most of us would crumble under that kind of pressure. But she keeps going, even when all hope seems lost. That drive like that ‘I have to do something’ energy, that’s what I want everyone to take away.”
Kajol’s journey with Maa is all about confronting societal shadows and embracing genre challenges she never saw coming. This is a film that confronts real fears head on, guided by a performer unafraid to strip away artifice. Ready to see Kajol like never before? Maa arrives 27 June.
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Facing strong criticism on social media for questioning the survival story
Actor and singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi has issued a public apology after facing strong criticism on social media for questioning the survival story of Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Deleted post sparks backlash
The controversy began when Krishnamoorthi, known for her role in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, shared a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that Vishwas Kumar Ramesh had fabricated his account of surviving the 12 June crash. In her post, she wrote: “So this #vishwaskumarramesh lied about being a passenger on the plane & the only survivor? This is seriously weird. Didn't his family in the UK corroborate his story? What about his brother's funeral that he was seen giving kandha to? Deserve not only some serious punishment but some mental asylum time if this is true uff.”
Krishnamoorthi deleted the post and issued a statement of apologyX/ suchitrak
Her comments appeared to have been influenced by unverified social media speculation claiming that Ramesh’s survival narrative was false. The post drew significant backlash from users who criticised her for spreading misinformation and making insensitive remarks without confirmation.
Public apology issued
In response to the mounting criticism, Krishnamoorthi deleted the post and issued a statement of apology, also on X. She wrote: “Took out my last tweet on the Air India crash survivor. Seems to be false news circulated for God knows what reason. My apologies.”
The apology was shared on 19 June 2025, but reactions have remained mixed, with some social media users accepting the clarification while others questioned the haste in making the original accusation.
Who is Vishwas Kumar Ramesh?
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, is the only known survivor of the Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on 12 June. The crash claimed the lives of at least 260 people.
Ramesh was reportedly seated in seat 11A, close to an emergency exit on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and managed to escape the burning aircraft. He was treated for injuries at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and was later seen attending the funeral of his brother Ajay, who also boarded the same flight to London but did not survive.
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi’s comments on social media questioning the legitimacy of a plane crash survivor’s account have drawn widespread criticism. Following the backlash, she deleted the post and issued a public apology, admitting the claim was based on false information.
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Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya walk the streets of London together fans react to viral video
Actor Janhvi Kapoor was recently spotted in London, walking hand-in-hand with rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya in a video that has since gone viral. Captured by a passerby, the clip shows the duo casually strolling through the streets. Dressed in relaxed outfits, Janhvi in a black tube top and joggers, and Shikhar in a mint green tee with white trousers, the pair looked at ease in each other’s presence. Janhvi’s sister Khushi Kapoor was also seen walking nearby, playing third wheel.
While Janhvi and Shikhar have never publicly confirmed their relationship, moments like these continue to fuel speculation. From dinner outings to joint appearances at major events, the signs have long been there. Janhvi has also worn a necklace with Shikhar’s name in the past, and he frequently posts photos of her on social media.
This isn’t the first time the internet has buzzed with talk of the two. Their quiet presence together over the years, including a joint appearance at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Janhvi’s upcoming film Homebound, has kept fans guessing. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, also stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa.
Janhvi had briefly opened up about her dynamic with Shikhar on Koffee With Karan Season 8. When Karan Johar cheekily asked if she had gone back to dating Shikhar after a break, Janhvi smiled and said, “Have you heard that song Nadaan Parindey Ghar Aaja? Shikhar used to sing that to me a lot.”
Shikhar Pahariya's Instagram post on Diwali Instagram/shikharpahariya
Shikhar Pahariya, the grandson of former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and son of producer-actor Smruti Shinde, has kept a relatively low profile despite the public curiosity. His brother, Veer Pahariya, recently debuted in Bollywood with Sky Force.
What’s next for Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi, meanwhile, has a packed schedule. She stars in Param Sundari, a romantic comedy with Sidharth Malhotra set in Kerala, releasing on 25 July. She’s also reuniting with Varun Dhawan for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, a family entertainer slated for September. A sports-action film titled Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan and scored by AR Rahman, is also on the list for 2026.